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There were new lawns, a newly-refurbished clubhouse and plenty of newcomers willing to pick up a mallet when Warkworth Croquet Club opened its season at Point Wells this month.
The clubhouse makeover has been a long time coming, with planning starting in September 2024 and building work getting underway in March.
The project was made possible with help from the Lottery Grants Board, member donations and grants from the Warkworth Community Shop and Generosity Corner. Local businesses Matakana ITM, Flooring Xtra Warkworth and Rodney Kitset Assembly Services also chipped in with discounted services.
Club volunteers worked alongside builder Mark Wilkinson, of Affinity Homes, to get everything shipshape in time for opening day on September 5.
Long-time member Nelson Morrow, fresh from success on a more distant croquet lawn, had the honour of putting the first ball through the hoop.
Morrow won the Turner Cup for Association Croquet at London’s prestigious Hurlingham Club last month, giving the Point Wells gathering a touch of international class.
Club president Sue Brodziak then did the honours with the ribbon-cutting, officially opening the refurbished clubhouse.
But there was little time for standing around admiring the improvements. Opening day was also a “have a go” day and 14 prospective players turned up to discover whether they had what it takes to master hoops and mallets.
After morning tea in the new clubhouse, everyone headed for the refurbished lawns. Experienced members got down to business, while newcomers were shown the basics by senior players and given the chance to have a hit around.
The club is keen to see more people give the sport a go. Regular golf croquet days are held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am.
Anyone interested can contact Marion on 021 078 4691 or Sue on 021 039 5921.
The club also acknowledged the ongoing sponsorship of Summerset Falls Retirement Village and Bayleys Real Estate Point Wells.
